Moreover, this promontory proved to be covered with dense thorn scrub,
through which they must force a way in the gathering darkness, not
without hurt and difficulty. Still they accomplished it and at length,
quite exhausted, crept to the very point, where they hid themselves
between some stones at the water's edge.
Here they waited for three long hours, but no boat came.
"All up a gum-tree now, Major," said Jeekie. "Old blackguard, Fanny,
bolt and leave us here, and to-morrow morning Asika nobble us. Better
have gone down to bay, steal his boat and leave him behind, because
Asika no want _him_."
Alan made no answer. He was too tired, and although he trusted Fahni, it
seemed likely enough that Jeekie was right, or perhaps the cannibals had
not been able to get the boat. Well, he had done his best, and if Fate
overtook them it was no fault of his. He began to doze, for even their
imminent peril could not keep his eyes open, then presently awoke with
a start, for in his sleep he thought he heard the sounds of paddles
beating the quiet water. Yes, there dimly seen through the mist, was a
canoe, and seated in the stern of it Fahni.
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